It's not meant to be for Bayer Leverkusen and Xabi Alonso, as the team stumbled at the final hurdle, losing against a highly impressive Atalanta in the Europa League Final. That did not take away from the club's achievements this season, though. Our pundits react to that match, and look ahead to the remaining crucial matches of the season, including the finals of the FA Cup, UEFA Champions League and the Championship Play-off. Then, it's a wrap up of the season, with the pundits naming some of their favourite signings, moments and matches of the season. We'll be away for a short break and return for EURO 2024!

It's not meant to be for Bayer Leverkusen and Xabi Alonso, as the team stumbled at the final hurdle, losing against a highly impressive Atalanta in the Europa League Final. That did not take away from the club's achievements this season, though. Our pundits react to that match, and look ahead to the remaining crucial matches of the season, including the finals of the FA Cup, UEFA Champions League and the Championship Play-off. Then, it's a wrap up of the season, with the pundits naming some of their favourite signings, moments and matches of the season. We'll be away for a short break and return for EURO 2024!

New name, but same old fun! Join Kam Raslan and the football pundits on Just for Kicks as they take you through the weekend's football action, news and previews of games in the English Premier League and beyond.

Just For Kicks

Leverkusen's Final Anguish & 2023/24 Season Wrap-Up

Enzo Maresca’s time at Chelsea has come to an end after 18 months, with things unravelling as results dipped and tensions grew behind the scenes. While he had enjoyed real success earlier on, including winning trophies and getting the club back into the Champions League, a poor run of league form and disagreements with the board gradually wore away trust. In the end, both sides felt it was better to part ways as Chelsea look to reset and steady their season.



We dissect that alongside the PL action here on this episode of Just For Kicks! 

Enzo Maresca’s time at Chelsea has come to an end after 18 months, with things unravelling as results dipped and tensions grew behind the scenes. While he had enjoyed real success earlier on, including winning trophies and getting the club back into the Champions League, a poor run of league form and disagreements with the board gradually wore away trust. In the end, both sides felt it was better to part ways as Chelsea look to reset and steady their season.We dissect that alongside the PL action here on this episode of Just For Kicks!

Maresca Leaves Chelsea

Aston Villa came from behind to defeat Chelsea 2–1 at Stamford Bridge, extending their winning run to 11 matches, equaling their century-old club record. Chelsea took the lead in the first half through João Pedro, who converted from close range following a corner. Villa improved after the break, with substitute Ollie Watkins making an immediate impact by scoring the equalizer shortly after coming on. Watkins then completed the turnaround late in the match with a headed winner, securing a significant away victory that maintained Villa’s strong league momentum while leaving Chelsea frustrated after failing to hold their advantage. 



A result that has huge implications in the title race, we review that plus the rest of the PL action, here on Just For Kicks! 

Aston Villa came from behind to defeat Chelsea 2–1 at Stamford Bridge, extending their winning run to 11 matches, equaling their century-old club record. Chelsea took the lead in the first half through João Pedro, who converted from close range following a corner. Villa improved after the break, with substitute Ollie Watkins making an immediate impact by scoring the equalizer shortly after coming on. Watkins then completed the turnaround late in the match with a headed winner, securing a significant away victory that maintained Villa’s strong league momentum while leaving Chelsea frustrated after failing to hold their advantage. A result that has huge implications in the title race, we review that plus the rest of the PL action, here on Just For Kicks!

Super-Sub Watkins Sinks Chelsea

In a pulsating Carabao Cup quarter-final at the Emirates, Arsenal and Crystal Palace served up a dramatic night of football that ended 1–1 in regular time before Arsenal edged through 8–7 on penalties to reach the semi-finals. Arsenal dominated possession and created the better chances, finally breaking the deadlock in the 80th minute when Maxence Lacroix inadvertently turned a corner into his own net, only for Marc Guéhi to snatch a stoppage-time equaliser in the fifth minute of added time to send the tie to spot kicks. From there, both sides calmly dispatched their first seven penalties in a tense shootout before Arsenal keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga became the hero by diving to save Lacroix’s attempt, sealing the win and sending the Gunners into a last-four clash with Chelsea

In a pulsating Carabao Cup quarter-final at the Emirates, Arsenal and Crystal Palace served up a dramatic night of football that ended 1–1 in regular time before Arsenal edged through 8–7 on penalties to reach the semi-finals. Arsenal dominated possession and created the better chances, finally breaking the deadlock in the 80th minute when Maxence Lacroix inadvertently turned a corner into his own net, only for Marc Guéhi to snatch a stoppage-time equaliser in the fifth minute of added time to send the tie to spot kicks. From there, both sides calmly dispatched their first seven penalties in a tense shootout before Arsenal keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga became the hero by diving to save Lacroix’s attempt, sealing the win and sending the Gunners into a last-four clash with Chelsea

Leverkusen's Final Anguish & 2023/24 Season Wrap-Up

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